Radiator Idea?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Bristol TN.
Radiator Idea?
Hey guys I was just thinking about something when I go to put my 302 in my truck. I have a stock V8 flathead motor radiator in great Shape. What if I were to route the 1 hose from 302 engine into say a "Hose splitter" (I guess you could call it that) and run 2 hoses off the splitter into top of flathead radiator and do the same for the bottom. Does that make sense? I originally got the idea from a picture I saw where some one took a flathead v8 motor and routed the 2 inlet/outlet hoses from the motor into a one hose later model type radiator. My idea is doing the opposite...
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
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From: Poway, Ca.
Honest answer is it's a "Jerry Rig." I guess it would work, but kind of a mess.
Question is will your stock radiator pull the heat out of the 302 which runs at a much higher temp than a flat head.
Food for thought. Gonna mount an automatic transmission behind that 302? Transmission cooler?
Question is will your stock radiator pull the heat out of the 302 which runs at a much higher temp than a flat head.
Food for thought. Gonna mount an automatic transmission behind that 302? Transmission cooler?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Bristol TN.
Well if it would work I was thinking of using a separate trans cooler, electric fan, and the right pressure radiator cap. I figured the temps of engines would be about the same using a 180 degree thermostat? I've herd of people using stock 6 cyl radiators in their trucks using later model engines.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
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From: Poway, Ca.
Ok but the real question is, is the impact of the set up you are talking about going to be better or worse than changing out to a proper radiator.
You talked about electric fans...Ok! Are you switching to a 12 volt electrical system and instlling an (100 amp)alternator? Because that's the only way you will be able to support electric (40 amp draw) fans?
So as you can see, there are other issues and impacts.
You talked about electric fans...Ok! Are you switching to a 12 volt electrical system and instlling an (100 amp)alternator? Because that's the only way you will be able to support electric (40 amp draw) fans?
So as you can see, there are other issues and impacts.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,190
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From: Burbank, WA
The stock flattie radiator, as long as it is in good condition, will easily cool a stock small block Ford engine. Instead of building some Rube Goldberg-style water passages, a radiator shop can make simple modifications to both tanks and remove one each of the unneeded water necks.
One more thing to know, the old radiators are only designed for use with a 4 pound cap. It's not a big deal, really, it'll still do the job, but just don't try to install a new style 15 pound cap. That poor old rad just isn't built to hold that kind of pressure.
There's also no need to go with an electric fan. There's plenty of room for the original one mounted on the water pump.
One more thing to know, the old radiators are only designed for use with a 4 pound cap. It's not a big deal, really, it'll still do the job, but just don't try to install a new style 15 pound cap. That poor old rad just isn't built to hold that kind of pressure.
There's also no need to go with an electric fan. There's plenty of room for the original one mounted on the water pump.
Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Bristol TN.
Oh definitely, I was going to use a 12v system anyways with the 302. No I definitely agree there are going to be issues to address I was just wandering if anyone had herd of doing this and having success with it. Plus it would be something different if done right
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
Likes: 21
From: Poway, Ca.
But Wayne let me ask you, don't yo thing maybe swapping this out to an IL 6 radiator with the one opening might note be better alternative?
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Burbank, WA
The OP said his rad was in good shape and was planning to use it, and there's no reason not to. Modifying the original rad serves two purposes. It saves the unnecessary cost of replacement, and allows the ability to choose which neck works best in his application, depending on which side his water pump inlet points. A good rad shop should be able to make the fix in not more than a couple of hours.
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